He states, “…how we lose sets the example for what it means to win.”
This is a grade school lesson of how remarkable character is truly born. True character is rarely born of times of plenty with ease and contentment. It is birthed, it is a process and it is painful.
In the process, if we take note of the struggle and the victory, we can remain relevant for guiding and connecting with our children and humanity and see the promise in scripture “turning all things for our good.” What does a reputation of greatness really look like anymore?
To truly be a person of character is a decision to do the “hard” thing because it is the RIGHT thing and your children, my children, our future, and those who are lost are looking for someone they can trust and depend on to lead them the right way.
Lead by EXAMPLE instead of making excuses.
To be honest, I think of about 5-10 good excuses every morning for why I can’t come to work and want to call in – but in my heart I hear “it is your DUTY, your OBLIGATION, and RESPONSIBILITY to lead by EXAMPLE – GET UP, GET DRESSED, PUT YOUR MAKE UP ON, Dress like your daddy is richer than Donald Trump and takes good care of you – because He does (Daddy God). RECOGNIZE & OWN you were created for greatness! Greatness does not call in to work because you’re tired of life! It changes the atmosphere and the environment by COMMANDING all situations to remain under your feet and in subject to the hand of the Almighty God of the Universe! Stop HIDING – get out of bed and take on your day with all the circumstances – EXPECT GOOD THINGS – Command them to come forth! In Jesus Name”
While “we are all imperfect at best,” I have seen that phrase be the rope by which so many great people hang themselves and never become what they could be – being truly great means volunteering when no one else is, staying later than everyone else, doing the dishes on the holidays, undertaking the job everyone hates, it is delays, inconveniences, sacrifices, patience, slowing down when you want to be “Speed Racer,” it is listening instead of talking – it is NOT a MICROWAVE Oven.. it is a slow smoke / roast – the fragrance and the warmth is like a good campfire on a cold night. It satisfies the soul unlike anything else can and certainly better than being first in line, to hurry and get home and sit on your couch all night.
I have seen myself be the parent who doesn’t take care of their kids (I’m not talking only money, that is way too easy – I’m talking teaching, loving, listening, dependability, BE THERE physically, emotionally and spiritually – deny yourself and do what THEY need - I’m not talking about serving our kids.. ha, that is another story for another time – I mean turn the TV off, put the cell phone down, get off your butt and see what they are doing, who are they talking to, and while they need parents they do need a trusted friend – the world will tell your kids all sorts of lies, equip them to identify them and tell them the truth.. your family values need to be taught, shown and explained!!! Children can not guide themselves – they are a concentration strength of selfish desire (imagine concentrated detergent) and when used the right way yield AMAZING RESULTS but have the ability to self destruct if they are not invested in (yeah ummm its VERY inconvenient and time consuming -however - the beauty of time well spent can not be reproduced and can not be recaptured if missed) -it is simply inexperience -imagine asking your toddler to drive the car!) I have seen myself start to drink the poisonous “kool-aid” of an employee without gratitude or employer who is filled with greed. I have been jealous, unfair, un-forgiving, and placed no value of the family nor set apart family time.
Why should I expect others to have compassion, mercy, kindness, and benevolence – when I myself have not truly learned to muscle through disappointment, unfairness, defeat, poverty, cruelty, uncomfortable situations with forgiveness, kindness, and compassion –doing what is RIGHT when I want to scream profanities from the top of my lungs because it is so unfair and so hard?
News flash, frustrated bursts of anger only make you look like an idiot! Rest assured it is a guarantee there are more frustrations headed your way if you are a fit thrower, it is far better to accept that a plan B is necessary and look for solutions. The most successful folks in history saw or experienced a hindrance or a need and made a solution!! There are inventions worth millions to be made but they are typically born of the frustration of life and a cool headed commanding a solution and making it happen!
“..how we lose sets the example for what it means to win..” I forgive myself for not being the change I want to see in the world from time to time, but I don’t excuse this by giving in and saying “this is who I am – take it or leave it!” I CHOOSE to grow, to change, to improve and LEARN HOW to be a better version of God’s greatness!
The point is – in the words of Walt Disney – “Just keep moving forward..”
While self-condemnation does not do anyone any good – neither does the lack of effort in investing in true moral character.
